Welcome to Thriving Together, your go-to source for timely information, resources and support on the autism journey, sponsored by Metro Parent and Henry Ford Health. 

In this email, we explore SLEEP. It's a favorite topic! What's the best way to help your child get to sleep and stay asleep?

If you know someone who would benefit from receiving this newsletter, please share and encourage them to subscribe. 

Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to subscribe.

You CAN Encourage Healthy Sleep Habits for Your Child With Autism: Tips for Making it Work

Sleep is crucial for everyone, including children with autism, who can face unique challenges when it comes to falling and staying asleep. Here’s a streamlined guide with practical tips to help improve your child's sleep, with expertise from Melissa Maye, Ph.D., a psychologist at the Henry Ford Health’s Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (CADD). 

Want more? Read a longer version (with more tips!) here.

1. Don’t overlook traditional sleep strategies  
Even if your child has autism, many traditional, evidence-based sleep strategies can still be effective. For instance, creating a calming bedtime routine that includes activities like reading a book or having a snuggle session can be beneficial. It’s worth trying these common approaches before assuming they won’t work.

2. Adapt bedtime routines to fit your child's needs  
Children with autism may have difficulty following routines due to communication barriers. If your child struggles to understand verbal instructions, try modifying the routine using visual aids like pictures or social stories. These tools can help make the sequence of bedtime activities clearer and easier for your child to follow.

3. Identify what soothes your child  

Pay attention to what calms your child. This could be a favorite toy, a soft blanket or a specific sensory activity. Integrate these soothing elements into the bedtime routine. However, be cautious of sensory interests or activities that might overstimulate rather than calm your child, as these can interfere with sleep.

4. Create a consistent bedtime routine  
A predictable routine helps signal to your child that it’s time to wind down for sleep. Start with simple steps, like a bath followed by a bedtime story, and adapt as your child grows. Visual schedules or cards that your child can interact with can also reinforce the routine and give them a sense of agency and participation in their bedtime process.

5. Be flexible and ready for change  
Children's sleep needs and behaviors change as they grow. What works this month might not work six months from now. Stay flexible and be prepared to adjust your routine as your child’s, and family’s, needs evolve. Consistency is key, but so is the ability to adapt when necessary.

6. Share bedtime responsibilities  
If possible, share bedtime duties with your partner or another caregiver. This not only gives you a break but also helps your child become comfortable with different routines led by different people. Ensure that both caregivers follow a similar routine to provide consistency but allow room for individual preferences.

7. Seek help when needed  
If you’re a single parent or your usual support system isn’t available, don’t hesitate to ask for help from friends or family. Whether it’s for a night off or just a nap, having someone else step in can make a big difference in maintaining your own health and well-being.

By adapting traditional sleep strategies, focusing on what soothes your child, and remaining flexible, you can help your child with autism achieve better sleep. Remember, every child is unique, so it may take time and patience to find the perfect sleep routine for your family.

There's more to know! Read more about prioritizing sleep for your child and family at Metro Parent’s Your Top Kids Health Questions — Answered. 

– ADVERTISEMENT –

 What Do You Need to Know About Prioritizing Sleep at Every Stage?

Expertise from Melissa Maye, Ph.D., a psychologist at Henry Ford Health’s Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (CADD).

• In young children: Alongside your child’s autism assessment and evaluation, share whatever you can about your child’s sleep habits. If you have any concerns at all about sleep, talk with your child’s pediatrician first. A developmental pediatrician may also be able to help with health and well-being and will be equipped to discuss sleep. Your child’s Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and ABA therapy team are great resources, too. If you are considering additional help as your child grows, be sure to talk with your child’s pediatrician first. Some parents consider using melatonin, but talk with your child’s pediatrician to discuss the pros and cons before using. 
  
  
• In middle stages: Some children may be developmentally ready to manage their own bedtime routine when they hit middle school age – but not all! Most middle schoolers will still need gentle reminders to stay on task. It might be helpful to tape a list of every activity in the routine to the bathroom mirror. Or, if your child uses a cell phone download a selfcare app. Check in with your child and remind them about one or two of the steps in the bedtime routine — typically it’s brushing their teeth! You can set time stamps — or even a timer — to start the routine at, say, 8 p.m., with lights off by 9 p.m. (Pay close attention to screen use during this time and switch off devices 30 minutes before lights go off. Don’t be afraid to remove the device from the bedroom completely if that works best for your family.)
  
  
• In transition to adulthood: The best way to set up healthy sleep habits in adulthood is to start early in creating individual agency in taking control of the sleep routine, this can start as young as toddlerhood with choosing which pajamas to wear or which book to read. Recognize that there will be some normal changes that make your teen want to stay up later and sleep in later, so flexibility here will help. If you notice your older teen veering way off course, be inquisitive. Ask questions about how they are feeling and whether they believe consuming TikTok videos into the wee hours is helpful overall to getting enough sleep.  Being supportive and offering suggestions — rather than enforcing change — may keep the lines of communication open, giving you further opportunities to talk about the importance of sleep across the life continuum.

…and read more articles that address your top kids health questions!

Resources: organizations, events and more

Autism Society of Greater Detroit

Offers peer-to-peer support groups, meet-ups and other resources for parents and families and those with autism.

Bluestone VOICES for Autism

Livonia, Mich. based nonprofit that provides financial and therapeutic support to enhance the lives of children and their families through fundraising events and grantmaking. Funds families of children with autism receiving ABA, speech therapy or occupational therapy in Michigan and individuals pursuing a BCBA degree.

MiABLE

Michigan’s flexible 529 savings account for individuals with disabilities who are eligible for SSI or SSDI.
844-656-7225

Autism Alliance of Michigan

Help, hope and answers, including AAoM’s robust MiNavigator, a state-wide resource for families on all issues related to autism. Visit AAoM for its comprehensive calendar of events.
877-463-AAOM

Autism Support of Kent County

Monthly family events, arts and sports programs, training for law enforcement and first responders, more. Located in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Early On Michigan

Michigan’s system for families with children birth-3 who have developmental delays or developmental disabilities.
800-327-5966

Michigan Autism Program

Resources and support for families and caregivers, including the Michigan ASD State Plan. 

How to help your child settle and prepare for sleep:   

Your autistic child might have a specific object or toy that brings them great comfort. Lean into this — even if you find it different from what you would expect. Can you allow your child to spend a few minutes with this beloved object before bedtime? For example, if they really love a favorite bath towel or beach towel because it provides warmth and a calming texture, this can even be an item that joins them in sleep. 

— Melissa Maye, Ph.D., Henry Ford Health’s Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (CADD).

Need More Support?

There's a wealth of knowledge and support available through Henry Ford Health. Learn the latest research regarding autism, discover life-changing outcomes and get expert advice at Henry Ford Health.